Top administrative court overrules regional court in battle over Rome archaeological park.
Italian culture minister Dario Franceschini has applauded the decision by Italy's top administrative court to overturn a previous ruling against the government's plan to establish a new archaeological park including the Colosseum, the Domus Aurea, Palatine Hill and Forum sites.
The state's overturning of the June ruling by the Lazio regional administrative tribunal (TAR) is seen as a victory for central government over the Movimento 5 Stelle administration of Rome's mayor Virginia Raggi.
Raggi had opposed the archaeological park on the grounds that it would be "harmful to the interests of Roma Capitale", referring to the fact that under the new plan the city would only receive 30 per cent of ticket sales proceeds from the Colosseum and Forum.
The 24 July ruling is the final chapter in a protracted attempt by the government to push through Franceschini's January decree which is designed to streamline the management of the capital’s archaeological sites, increase visitor numbers and offer better services.